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U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended Commission File No. 0-17804
December 31, 1996
CECO Filters, Inc.
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(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
Delaware 23-2399315
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(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Id. No.)
incorporation or organization)
1027-29 Conshohocken Road
Conshohocken, PA 19428
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Issuer's telephone number: (610) 825-6495
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, $.001 par value
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(Title of class)
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No .
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Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to
Item 405 of Regulation S-B is not contained in this form, and no disclosure will
be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB
or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [ ]
Issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year: $9,847,697
Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of
registrant (based on average of the bid and asked price on March 10, 1997):
$1,185,575. See "Market of the Registrant's Common Stock and Related
Stockholder Matters."
The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common equity, as of the latest practicable date: 6,867,667 shares of common
stock, par value $.001 per share, as of March 10, 1997.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format: Yes ; No X
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PART I
Item 1. Description of Business
General
The Company was incorporated in Delaware on July 25, 1985, and
its executive offices are located in suburban Philadelphia at 1027-29
Conshohocken Road, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428-0683. The telephone number
of the Company's executive offices is 610-825-6495.
The Company manufactures and sells filters known as fiber bed
mist eliminators. The filters are used to trap, collect and remove solid soluble
and liquid particulate matter suspended in an air or other gas stream whether
generated from a point source emission or otherwise. The principal functions
which can be performed by use of the filters are (a) the removal of damaging
mists and particles (for example, in process operations that could cause
downstream corrosion and damage to equipment), (b) the removal of pollutants and
(c) the recovery of valuable materials for reuse. The filters are also used to
collect fine insoluble particulates. The Company's filters are used by, among
others, the printing, electronics and mining industries; metal refiners;
manufacturers of various acids, vegetable and animal based cooking oils, textile
products, alkalies, chlorine, paper, computers, automobiles, asphalt,
pharmaceutical products and chromic acid; electrical generating facilities
including cogeneration facilities; and end users of pollution control products
such as incinerators.
The Company's filters are typically cylindrical in shape. The
cylinder consists of inner and outer cylindrical cages, with filter material
placed in the gap between the cages (usually two inches wide). Prior to
insertion in the filter, raw filter material is placed in cylindrical molds and
heated in an oven. Finished filter material segments are compressed in the gap
between the cages. The Company also manufactures small vessels for holding its
filters.
The Company holds a US Patent for a device with the trade
names of the N-SERT(R) and X-SERT(R) prefilter. This device is used to protect
the filter's surface from becoming coated with insoluble solids. Field
performance has demonstrated the effectiveness of this device. The Company also
holds a patent for its N-ESTED(R) multiple-bed fiberbed TWIN-PAK(R) filter,
which permits an increase in filter surface area of 60% or more, thus decreasing
energy consumption and improving collection efficiency. The device also permits
the user to increase the capacity of the emission generating source without an
energy or major modification penalty.
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The filters typically are mounted vertically in a closed tank
with an air inlet for dirty gas and an exhaust for clean flow. The air flow is
directed in such a manner that it passes through the outside of the filter to
the inside core, or vice versa. After being captured in the filter, liquid
particulates drain from the filter and are collected for reuse or removed, as
the case may be. Solid soluble particulates can be dissolved in water or other
suitable solvents and drained from the filter. Insoluble particles can be
removed only by gentle brushing or washing.
The Company's filters range in size from 2 to 20 feet in
height and are typically either 16 or 24 inches in diameter. The cages used in
the Company's filter assemblies may be stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium
or fiberglass mesh. The filter material used in approximately 75 percent of the
Company's filters is fiberglass, which may be purchased in various grades of
fiber diameter and chemical resistance depending on the specific requirements of
the customer. Filter material may also be made of polyester, polypropelene or
ceramic materials. The Company's filters are manufactured with different levels
of efficiency in the collectibility of particulates, depending on the
requirements of the customer.
Eventually, the filter material contained in the Company's
filters will become saturated with insoluble solids or corroded and require
replacement. The life of the filter material will be primarily dependent on the
nature of the particles collected and the filtration atmosphere. Filter life
generally ranges from 3 months to 15 years. The filters can be returned to the
Company for replacement of the filter material, or can be replaced on-site by
the customer. The Company sells replacement filter material segments with the
trade name of SITE-PAK(R) for on-site installation by the customer and
compressor kits to be used in connection with on-site replacement.
A significant portion of the Company's business consists of
the sale of replacement filter material segments for its filters and for filters
made by other manufacturers. The replacement process for filters made by other
manufacturers involves modification of the cages to permit the insertion of
replacement segments. Once modification of the cage and replacement of filter
material has been completed by the Company, subsequent replacement of the filter
material can be made on-site by the customer.
During 1996, the Company began implementing the results of its
new design strategies by utilizing standard components customized for specific
customer needs. These unique designs are characterized by ease of use,
flexibility in application and the ability to achieve complete product recycle
when the customer's use is satisfied. This breakthrough will enable the Company
to offer the same units or applications in widely disparate industries with
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the possibility to reuse the units once the original use is satisfied. It also
allows us the flexibility to sell or rent the systems. The rental approach
allows the Company to reuse the units after cleaning and repacking, resulting in
a high return on capital employed.
The Company's filters generally range in price from $500 to
$8,000, depending on the materials used in the filter and the size of the
filter.
In March 1992, the Company acquired substantially all of the
assets (and certain specific liabilities) of Air Purator Corporation, a
Massachusetts corporation, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Air Purator
Corporation (formerly called A.P. Acquisition Corp.), a Delaware corporation
("APC").
APC is engaged in the manufacture of patented specialty
needled fiberglass fabrics. Some of the fabrics are coated to permit their use
in certain highly corrosive applications. The fabrics are mainly used in a
particulate collection device known as a pulse jet baghouse which is fabricated
by a number of companies. Before APC's fabric is placed into the baghouse, the
fabric will generally be sewn into a shape resembling a tube closed at one end,
called a bag. The bag is then placed in an enclosed cylindrical apparatus known
as a bag holder. APC mainly sells its fabrics to the bag fabricator. Other
applications include the recovery of valuable materials such as carbon black.
There are many domestic and foreign fabricators that APC deals with. Products
are uniformly priced for all purchasers through a published price list. APC's
flagship product line is known in the field under the Huyglas(R) trade name.
Huyglas is patented and is mainly used for high temperature (up to 550oF)
service.
During 1996, APC developed a new, felted fiberglass fabric
designed to compete with DuPont NomexR. A new, felted fiberglass fabric was
developed by our APC subsidiary, targeted to compete with DuPont Nomex(R) and
other fabrics sold for dust collection in industrial applications. This product
will allow the Company to compete for a larger share of the global market for
filter fabric media and will add to our established position with the Huyglas(R)
trade name.
APC is presently engaged in the development of additional
products based on its patented technology. One of its sales personnel is
designated as a "Product Champion" and is vigorously pursuing various
applications outside of uses traditionally associated with such fabrics. Several
new products are currently being tested, but APC is unable to predict whether
these efforts will result in the successful development of marketable products.
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On October 1, 1992, the Company created a wholly-owned
subsidiary, Compliance Systems International, a Delaware corporation ("CSI"), to
pursue domestic and foreign environmental service markets and the sale of
certain specialty equipment.
CSI organized the Technology Council (the "Council"), a group
of independent consultants that are available to CSI to assist on CSI's behalf,
CSI's industrial and commercial clients with environmental control options
including waste minimization. Members of the Council are consulted by CSI when a
customer hires CSI to address a problem that CSI can not resolve and which falls
within such Council member's particular expertise.
In early 1993, CSI obtained exclusive rights to engineer,
market and sell the patented Catenary Grid Scrubber(R). This device is designed
for use with heat and mass transfer operations and particulate control. CSI
designs complete systems centered around these devices.
During the fourth quarter of 1996 the Company formed a new
wholly owned subsidiary in Delaware called U.S. Facilities Management Company,
Inc. ("USFM"). USFM provides facilities management and emission control
systems, software and outsource monitoring and/or maintenance services to help
customers achieve air quality and operational goals.
During 1996 and 1995, two customers comprised more than 10% of
total sales in each year and during 1994, one customer comprised more than 10%
of total sales. Because the demand for the Company's filters, replacement
segments, fabric material, scrubbers and consulting services is not constant but
can fluctuate due to economic conditions, filter life and other factors beyond
the Company's control, the Company is unable to predict the level of purchases
by its largest customers, or any other customer, in the future.
In the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company and its
subsidiaries continued to develop additional market areas, including storage
facility and turbine lube oil vent emission control and their related odor
control, new dry particulate emission control and combination scrubber - fiber
bed filter systems. The Company is also exploring combining its Catenary Grid
Scrubber with dry collection for wet/dry system use.
The Company is continuing to focus its efforts on specialty
market areas, where it believes it has a competitive advantage over its larger
competitors who generally have much greater resources than the Company.
Accordingly, the Company has relied on its proprietary technology to establish
itself in its existing markets. The Company has established relationships, on a
commission basis, with independent sales representatives in five
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foreign countries and continues to seek additional qualified representatives.
The Company has not been materially impacted by existing
government regulation, nor is the Company aware of any probable government
regulation that would materially affect its operations. The Company's costs in
complying with environmental laws has been negligible. During 1996 and 1995, the
Company estimates that $116,979 and $17,484, respectively, has been expended on
research and development programs. Such costs are generally included as factors
in determining the Company's pricing procedures.
Suppliers
The Company purchases all of its chemical grade fiberglass as
needed from Schuller Corporation, which the Company believes is the only
domestic supplier of such fiberglass. However, there are foreign suppliers of
chemical grade fiberglass, and, based on current conditions, the Company
believes that it could obtain such material from foreign suppliers on acceptable
terms. The Company believes that there is sufficient supply of raw materials for
the other components of its filters and does not anticipate any shortages in the
near future.
APC purchases its raw material from a variety of sources and
does not anticipate any shortages in the near future. While the Company depends
upon two suppliers for certain specialty items, including glass and chemicals,
the Company believes it has a good relationship with such suppliers and does not
anticipate any difficulty in continuing to receive such items on terms
acceptable to the Company.
Backlog
As of December 31, 1996 the Company's backlog of orders was
approximately $3,700,000, as compared to approximately $3,100,000 on December
31, 1995.
Competition and Marketing
Monsanto Corporation is dominant in the fiber bed mist
eliminator industry. Monsanto's financial resources are far greater than the
Company's, and Monsanto can undertake much more extensive marketing and
advertising programs than the Company. Certain other competitors also have
greater financial resources than the Company.
The Company competes by stressing its exclusive products,
including SITE-PAK(R) segments that permit on-site filter media
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replacement capability and prefilters, its patented product that protects the
surface of a fiber bed filter from becoming plugged with solids, and its
patented multiple-bed fiberbed filters that dramatically increase the surface
area of a filter. Also, the Company believes that it is the only U.S.
manufacturer of fiber bed mist eliminators whose filter material can be replaced
on-site by a customer. The Company believes it is price competitive within the
market for filters with similar efficiency.
Manufacturers of electrostatic precipitators and wet scrubbers
may also be deemed to be in competition with the Company, since those devices
are also effective in removing particulates from an air or another gas stream.
While such devices may have higher operating costs than fiber bed mist
eliminators, replacement of the component parts of such devices is rare as
compared to fiber bed mist eliminators.
The Company's subsidiaries each face substantial competition.
APC and CSI each face competition from other forms of environmental control and
material recovery devices including scrubbers and electrostatic precipitators
and from other filter fabric media that can also be fabricated into bags for
baghouses. These fabrics and fibers include, Teflon(R), Goretex(R), woven
fiberglass (both treated and non-treated), polyester, Ryton(R), Nomex(R) and
several other fabrics.
The Company's marketing efforts have consisted of
telemarketing and direct solicitation of orders from existing customers. The
Company is also utilizing direct mail solicitation and selected advertising in
trade journals and product guides and trade shows. The Company also utilizes
sales representatives located in the United States, Canada and overseas and
special Sales Directors, each focused on specific industries.
Employees
The Company and its subsidiaries had 47 full-time employees as
of December 31, 1996. In addition, the Company utilizes the services of one full
time consultant. The Company's consultant, Mr. Lazarus Thomaides, has worked
with air-cleaning and filtration equipment for over thirty years. He has been
involved in the design and maintenance of fiber bed mist eliminator systems at
the Company (and its predecessors) and with Clermont Engineering since 1974. Mr.
Thomaides has a B.S. degree in chemical engineering from Syracuse University.
None of the Company's employees is currently unionized and the Company considers
its relationship with its employees to be satisfactory.
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Key Employee
The Company's operations to date have been largely dependent
on the efforts of its President, Dr. Steven I. Taub. The loss to the Company of
Dr. Taub would have a material adverse effect upon the operations of the
Company. The Company has obtained key man life insurance in face amount of $2
million on the life of Dr. Taub in an effort to reduce, to the extent possible,
the immediate adverse economic impact to its business that would occur if it
were to lose the services of Dr. Taub.
Product Liability Insurance
As of October 1989, the Company obtained product liability
insurance covering its products. The policy excludes environmental liability.
Patents
The Company currently holds one US patent for its N-SERT(R)
and X-SERT(R) prefilters. The Company also holds a patent on its N-ESTED(R)
multiple bed fiberbed filter. APC holds two patents on the Huyglas material and
CSI holds an exclusive world-wide license to the patents on the Catenary Grid
Scrubber and the Narrow Gap Venturi Scrubber. There is no assurance that
measurable revenues will accrue to the Company or its subsidiaries as a result
of their patents or licenses. However, the prefilters, multiple bed units and
Huyglas material have contributed to the Company's performance during 1996.
Development of the Company
The Company was incorporated on July 25, 1985. The Company
commenced operations in August 1985 when it acquired substantially all of the
fixed and intangible assets and the business (but did not assume any
liabilities, except with respect to bona fide purchase orders) of CECO Filters,
Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation ("CECO-PA"), which was not affiliated with the
Company or its founders.
Prior to the sale of its assets to the Company, CECO-PA was
also engaged in the manufacture and sale of fiber bed mist eliminators, and many
customers of CECO-PA have remained customers of the Company. CECO-PA and its
predecessors were engaged in the business of manufacturing fiber bed mist
eliminators for over ten years prior to the sale of certain of CECO-PA's assets
to the Company in August 1985. The Company believes that neither CECO-PA nor its
immediate predecessor is currently engaged in the
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manufacture or sale of fiber bed mist eliminators. CECO-PA and its principal
shareholder covenanted not to compete with the business of the Company prior to
August 1988.
Acquisition of Assets
Pursuant to an Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Assets dated
as of March 10, 1992, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary formed
specifically for the purpose of effectuating the acquisition, purchased
substantially all of the assets (and assumed certain specific liabilities) of
Air Purator Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation specializing in the
manufacture of a coated needled fiberglass fabric, used in air pollution control
devices and other applications. The total purchase price was $482,826 of which
$382,826 was paid by cash and the rest by a two-year promissory note in the
principal amount of $100,000 with interest thereon at a rate of 10% per annum.
In December 1992, the Company redeemed the note in exchange for 66,667 shares of
Common Stock. APC is a Delaware corporation and is qualified to do business in
Massachusetts.
For over 10 years prior to the transaction with APC, Air
Purator Corporation was engaged in the manufacture and sale of specialty needled
fabric material with the Huyglas trade name.
Creation of Subsidiaries
Effective October 1, 1992, the Company formed a wholly-owned
subsidiary, Compliance Systems International, Inc., a Delaware corporation to
pursue domestic and foreign environmental service markets. The Company's initial
investment in CSI consisted only of short term working capital loans. CSI is
based in San Diego and is qualified to do business in the State of California
under the name CECO Systems International, Inc. CSI also has an office located
at the Company's headquarters.
CSI acquired the exclusive patent rights to the Catenary Grid
Scrubber from Mr. Kenneth Schifftner, its inventor who is also a CSI employee.
These rights pertain to all market areas. Prior to this, the Catenary Grid
Scrubber was engineered, marketed and sold by the Otto York Company, a
subsidiary of Raytheon Corporation.
The Company believes that neither Air Purator Corporation nor
Otto York Company is engaged in the manufacture of similar devices or products
to those it acquired from them.
During the fourth quarter of 1996 the Company formed a new
wholly owned subsidiary in Delaware called U.S. Facilities Management Company,
Inc. ("USFM"). USFM provides facilities management and emission control
systems, software and outsource
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monitoring and/or maintenance services to help customers achieve air quality and
operational goals.
Investment in CECO Environmental Corp.
On May 26, 1993, the Company purchased 100,000 shares of CECO
Environmental Corp. ("CEC") Common Stock for $2.80 per share or $280,000 in the
aggregate. The market price for CEC stock closed at $4.00 per share at that
date. The purchase price was paid with $160,000 in cash, with the balance due on
demand, without interest. The balance was paid in full during the first quarter
of 1994. On the date of purchase CEC owned approximately 52.1% of the Company's
stock. CEC is a New York corporation controlled by (i) an entity controlled by
the adult son of Mr. DeZwirek, of which Mr. DeZwirek disclaims beneficial
ownership thereof, and (ii) an entity jointly controlled by Mr. DeZwirek and his
adult son. Mr. DeZwirek shares voting and dispositive power with respect to the
latter shares. On December 31, 1996, the Company authorized the issuance of
17,800 shares of the CEC stock owned by it to certain employees in lieu of cash
bonuses. These shares are restricted for one year.
Item 2. Description of Property
On July 3, 1991, the Company entered into an agreement to
purchase a plant facility in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. The closing for such
acquisition occurred on October 28, 1991. The cost of the new facility, which
includes real property and manufacturing equipment, was $1,500,000. A tax free
industrial development bond in the amount of $1,200,000 issued by the
Pennsylvania Economic Development Funding Authority (PEDFA) funded substantially
the entire purchase price. The balance was funded on an interim basis from the
Company's existing line of credit and existing cash. The Company received
further funding from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) in
the form of a $405,000 loan at 3% for 15 years, the proceeds of which replaced
the Company's short-term borrowings under its line of credit. The property is
encumbered by a first and second mortgage to PEDFA and PIDA, respectively. On
February 25, 1993 the Company refinanced its mortgage and replaced the PEDFA
mortgage with a fourteen year commercial mortgage from CoreStates Bank at 8%
through March 1, 1998 and thereafter at 3/4% over the Bank's prime rate.
As part of the acquisition of APC, the Company entered into a
one year renewable lease with BTR North America, Inc. for the premises formerly
occupied by APC in Taunton, Massachusetts consisting of approximately 10,000
square feet at a rental of $47,500 for the year. On March 1, 1994, the Company
exercised its option to renew the lease and acquired an additional 1,500 square
feet raising the annual rental to $54,625. This lease expires on
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February 28 of each year and is renewable yearly upon mutual consent and APC
continues to lease the premises as a tenant-at-will. APC is currently
negotiating with the landlord for a lease and anticipates shortly entering into
a new lease on similar terms.
The Company is also party to a one year renewable lease dated
October 1, 1992 for approximately 475 square feet at an annual rental of
$4,800.00 for office space in California used by CSI. In January 1995, the
Company moved to larger quarters in the same building and now occupies 1,418
square feet at an annual rental of $13,783.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Not applicable.
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PART II
Item 5. Market of the Registrant's Common Stock and Related
Stockholder Matters
(a) The Company's Common Stock is traded on the
over-the-counter market and was listed for trading on March 22, 1990 on the
Philadelphia Stock Exchange under the symbol "CEC." The following table sets
forth the range of bid prices for the Common Stock as reported on the
Philadelphia Stock Exchange during the periods indicated, and represents prices
between broker-dealers, which do not include retail mark-ups and mark-downs, or
any commission to the broker-dealer. The bid prices do not reflect prices of
actual transactions.
Common Stock
High Low
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1995
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1st Quarter $1.375 $0.875
2nd Quarter $1.375 $0.75
3rd Quarter $1.50 $0.625
4th Quarter $1.375 $0.625
1996
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1st Quarter $1.00 $0.75
2nd Quarter $1.125 $1.00
3rd Quarter $0.75 $0.50
4th Quarter $1.00 $0.875
1997
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1st Quarter* $1.25 $1.125
(b) The approximate number of record holders of Common Stock
as of March 10, 1997, was 485.
(c) The Company paid no dividends in the years ended December
31, 1995 and 1996.
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* From January 1, 1997 through March 10, 1997.
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Item 6. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition
Results of Operations
1996 as Compared to 1995
Consolidated net sales increased by $1,412,388 or 16.7% from $8,435,309 in 1995
compared to $9,847,697 in 1996. Net income increased in 1996 from a loss of
$71,241 or ($0.01) per share to net income of $401,025 or $0.07 per share in
1996, an improvement of $472,266. This dramatic improvement in financial
performance can be attributed to:
o Continuation of our target market strategy which allowed us to improve
gross profit margins by attaining higher value for the products and
services we provide. (See description of target market strategy in section
titled "1995 as compared to 1994".)
o Repositioning CECO in the marketplace to enhance how the Company is
viewed by customers, competitors, employees, and shareholders. We are
making good progress in identifying market segments that fit criteria for
delivering exceptional value to both our customers and shareholders.
o Redirection of our design strategies to utilize standard components
customized for specific customer needs. This specialized standardization
approach helped shape much of our new developments in 1996, and will become
the cornerstone for improving competitiveness and profit margins over the
next several years.
o A new subsidiary was formed to implement the Company's facilities
management strategy. Investment in this new activity was nearly $200,000.
Market potential of this service-oriented business could greatly exceed
that of the existing businesses and will be discussed subsequently.
o Research and Development expenditures in 1996 were increased from $17,484
in 1995 to $116,979 in 1996 and resulted in the following developments:
Two patent applications directed toward enhancing our customized
standardization (CS) strategy. These unique designs are characterized
by ease of use, flexibility in application and the ability to achieve
complete product recycle when the customer's use is satisfied. This
breakthrough will enable the Company to offer the same units or
applications in widely disparate industries
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with the possibility to reuse the units once the original use is
satisfied. It also allows us the flexibility to sell or rent the
systems. The rental approach allows CECO to reuse the units after
cleaning and repacking, resulting in a high return on capital
employed.
A new, felted fiberglass fabric was developed by our APC subsidiary,
targeted to compete with DuPont Nomex(R) and other fabrics sold for
dust collection in industrial applications. This product will allow us
to compete for a larger share of the global market for filter fabric
media and will add to our established position with the Huyglas(R)
trade name. Although marketing will be a challenge we are excited
about our prospects.
The Company's order backlog as of December 31, 1996 was approximately $3.7
million as compared to $3.1 million as of December 31, 1995. There can be no
assurance that order backlog will be replicated, or increase, from quarter to
quarter. The success of the Company's business depends on the efficiency of our
chosen strategies.
During 1996 and 1995, the Company had two customers in each year representing
14% and 10% and 15% and 10% respectively, of consolidated net sales. The Company
is continuing its strategy to target more accounts with large dollar volume
order potential. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful
in its attempts to increase order size or its market breadth.
The Company's cost of sales as a percentage of sales decreased by 3.4% in 1996
from 56.1% in 1995 compared to 52.7% in 1996. The decrease was due primarily to
decreased raw material costs.
Selling and administrative expenses increased by $265,899 from $3,050,817 in
1995 to $3,316,716 in 1996. Approximately $200,000 of such increase was
attributed to the Company's investment in the facilities management strategy
described previously. The Company's selling and administrative expenses
decreased by 2.5%, as a percentage of sales, from 36.2% in 1995 to 33.7% in
1996. A substantial portion of the selling and administrative expenses are fixed
in nature.
The Company entered into a management and consulting agreement with CECO
Environmental Corporation ("CEC") which was made as of January 1, 1994, and
became effective July 1, 1994. CEC owns approximately 68% of the Company's
common stock as of December 31, 1996. The terms of the agreement require monthly
fees of $40,000 from July 1994 through December 1994 and $20,000 per month from
January 1995 through December 1998 in exchange for management and financial
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consulting services involving corporate policies; marketing; strategic and
financial planning; and mergers, acquisitions and related matters.
The Company's depreciation and amortization expense decreased slightly from
$356,634 in 1995 to $341,599 in 1996 primarily due to a decrease in equipment
acquisitions in 1996.
The Company's interest expense decreased from $175,028 in 1995 to $154,837 in
1996, principally due to decreased borrowings from the Company's line of credit
in 1996.
1995 As Compared to 1994
Consolidated net sales decreased by $1,812,132, or 17.7% from $10,247,441 in
1994 compared to $8,435,309 in 1995. The significant factors attributable to
this decrease were the result of the following:
In early 1995 the Company began to implement its target marketing
approach in earnest. The purpose of this approach was to focus the
Company's efforts on opportunities in markets that the Company judged
ready for its specialized systems and services and to begin to take
control of its customer base by relying less heavily on middle men
uncommitted to the Company's future.
Prior to 1995, the Company directed its sales efforts in a multitude of
markets. Due to several factors, including the long service life of its
products and limited sales and marketing resources, significant
penetration into all the industries the Company's systems served began
to limit its potential. This became the case even though the Company
enjoyed substantial customer response and loyalty.
Recognizing that the Company's core competency was its knowledge about
how to solve difficult problems, it began to focus its resources in
market segments that had the following characteristics: a) a definite
need, b) necessary financial resources, and c) identifiably similar
problems that could be solved with reasonably standard approaches. The
plan, when implemented, would clearly permit the Company to become the
recognized solution provider to a multiplicity of customers with nearly
identical needs. The logic is that this could simplify the Company's
business and allow it to provide accepted solutions to problems without
re-inventing them for each customer. This specialized standardization
is one of the needed ingredients for successful plan implementation.
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Another key ingredient is people that are familiar with the selected
target market segments and its needs. The Company re-engineered its
staff to better serve the selected market areas. This effort is nearly
complete. Along with this, more engineering talent was brought into the
Company to meet its commitments.
During the transition period the Company's sales decreased but overall
profitability, based on 1993 results, increased. For example, in 1993
the Company's sales were $8,634,452 compared to 1995 sales of
$8,435,309 and 1993 loss from operations was $710 compared to 1995's
operating income of $52,595. Although sales decreased by nearly
$200,000, income rose by over $53,000.
We believe this means that once the Company's sales begin to increase
and surpass levels achieved in 1994, profitability as a percentage of
sales will also increase. Unfortunately, there is no assurance of this
occurring. Although the Company re-focused its efforts on more defined
markets, there are competitors present in those markets with long track
records and market acceptance who will hotly contest our entrance. We
believe the Company's technology and systems to be superior to our
competitors and our challenge is to convince our target audience of
this. We are in the early stages of this process and while we are
unable to predict success, we expect steady improvement despite
competitive pressure.
One very promising development is the introduction of our PEEK
PERFORMANCE(TM) monitoring system. We recognized that when our
customers begin to use our systems they sometimes forget about
monitoring its performance. This occurs because in nearly every case,
the system is so trouble free, without the need for maintenance, it
becomes taken for granted. If a process upset occurs in the customer's
plant or system, the effect on our system sometimes goes unnoticed for
weeks or months. This may result in our system becoming unable to
operate at its design conditions. When this happens, the customer must
have an unplanned shutdown - this can affect plant profitability. With
the use of our proprietary PEEK PERFORMANCE(TM) system, the customer
can monitor all the operational aspects of our equipment. In addition,
the Company also can monitor the equipment from its offices or anywhere
a computer terminal is available. With this ability, we can advise our
customer of a process change that may result in our system operation.
We introduced this system to a limited market late in the third quarter
and we now have one system on line. The software and system
architecture is a Company development.
16
<PAGE>
The Company markets its products in the United States and Canada with company
sales personnel and with independent industrial sales representatives. The
Company is constantly upgrading its sales force. The Company markets its
products through magazine advertising, direct mail, telemarketing, networking,
trade shows, and other channels. Sales and marketing efforts were increased in
1995 compared with 1994 and 1993 by the addition of Sales Directors. The Company
also began to introduce the concept of target markets to its internal sales
force. The Company plans to direct its internal sales personnel toward
specifically identified ripe markets and service its base businesses with its
customer service personnel and roving technicians.
The Company's order backlog as of March 15, 1996 was approximately $3.8 million,
which was about $2.2 million higher than its order backlog as of March 15, 1995.
This increase in backlog is a result of structuring and defining specific target
markets and having separate Sales Directors managing these target markets. There
can be no assurance that order backlog will be replicated, or increase, from
quarter to quarter. The success of the Company's business depends on a multitude
of factors that are out of the Company's control. The Company's operating
results can be significantly impacted by the introduction of new products, new
manufacturing technologies, rapid changes in the demand for its products,
decreases in the average selling price over the life of a product as competition
increases, and the Company's dependence on the efforts of middle men to sell a
significant portion of its products.
The Company's market scope is international. Most overseas orders are received
from developed countries with some from third world countries. The Company is
represented by agents in five countries in addition to the United States. Orders
from overseas sources increased in 1995 from 1994. Although environmental
control is important to developing countries, economic needs must continue to be
met and therefore, environmental needs are sometimes placed second to economic
growth. We believe that the Company will continue to experience this decision
making process for many years, thereby making it difficult to reasonably predict
overseas growth rates for our products.
The Company had two customers representing 15% and 10% of sales respectively in
1995 compared to one customer representing 15% of sales in 1994. The Company is
continuing its strategy to target more accounts with large dollar volume order
potential. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in its
attempts to increase order size or its market breadth.
The Company's cost of sales as a percentage of sales was relatively stable at
56.1% in 1995 compared to 55.9% in 1994. During 1995, permanent direct and
indirect labor decreased by 16.1% (from $823,151 in 1994 to $690,990 in 1995)
while sales decreased by 17.7% from 1994 to 1995.
- 17 -
<PAGE>
The Company's selling and administrative expenses decreased from $3,190,216 in
1994 to $3,050,817 in 1995. A substantial portion of the selling and
administrative expenses are fixed in nature as the largest variable expense in
this category relates to sales commissions which amounted to approximately 3% of
net sales in each year.
The Company entered into a management and consulting agreement with CECO
Environmental Corporation ("CEC") which was made as of January 1, 1994, and
became effective July 1, 1994. CEC owned approximately 63% of the Company's
common stock as of December 31, 1995. The terms of the agreement require monthly
fees of $40,000 from July 1994 through December 1994 and $20,000 per month from
January 1995 through December 1998 in exchange for management and financial
consulting services involving corporate policies, marketing, strategic and
financial planning, mergers, acquisitions and related matters.
The Company's depreciation and amortization expense increased by $24,444 from
$332,190 in 1994 to $356,634 in 1995 principally due to the addition of
equipment in 1995.
The Company's interest expense increased slightly from $173,034 in 1994 to
$175,028 in 1995.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's cash position increased from $184,248 on December 31, 1995 to
$374,186 on December 31, 1996. This net increase of $189,938 is attributed
principally to the generation of cash from operating activities of $958,433
during 1996 as compared to the usage of $234,002 for operating activities in
1995. This cash generation is the result of the substantial increase in net
income. A portion of this increase was offset by repayments of short and long
term debt.
The Company maintains a $1,250,000 line of credit with a commercial bank of
which $400,000 was outstanding as of December 31, 1996. This credit facility is
available for working capital needs, investment activities and other general
corporate needs.
Expenditures for property and equipment amounted to $78,720 for the year ended
December 31, 1996, such expenditures relating to computer hardware and software
upgrades, manufacturing equipment upgrades and building renovations. The Company
intends to continue to invest in fixed assets to support continued growth.
Management believes that funds expected to be generated from operations,
supplemented by the available line of credit, will be sufficient to provide
adequate cash to fund the Company's anticipated working capital and other cash
needs during 1997.
- 18 -
<PAGE>
Item 7. Financial Statements
The information called for by this Item 7 is included
following the "Index to Financial Statements" contained in this Annual Report on
Form 10-KSB.
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable
- 19 -
<PAGE>
PART III
Item 9. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control
Persons; Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange
Act
The Directors and Executive Officers of the Company are as
follows:
Name Age Position
- ---- --- --------
Phillip DeZwirek 59 Chairman of the Board, Vice
President and Director
Steven I. Taub 54 President, Chief Executive
Officer, Treasurer and
Director
All officers and directors hold office for a period of one
year or until their successors are elected and have qualified. Dr. Taub is the
only executive officer of the Company who is employed on a full time basis. Mr.
DeZwirek devotes substantially all of his working time to Company matters and
plays a supervisory role in the administrative and financial affairs of the
Company.
Mr. DeZwirek has been Chairman of the Board, Vice President
and a Director of the Company since its inception and has engaged in private
investment activities for more than five years. He has been Chairman of the
Board of CEC since 1979. Mr. DeZwirek is the Chairman and a director of Digital
Fusion Multimedia Corp. (formerly, Akers Medical Technology, Ltd.), a Canadian
corporation manufacturing interactive CD ROM products.
Dr. Taub, the chief executive officer of the Company, has been
President, Treasurer and a Director of the Company since its inception. From
June 1978 through October 1984 he was Vice President and a Director of Stablex
Corporation, a company engaged in waste disposal, in which capacity he managed
that corporation's engineering and technical services departments. In addition,
from April 1981 through October 1984, he was President of Stablex - Reutter,
Inc., a subsidiary of Stablex Corporation which operated an analytical testing
laboratory and provided hazardous waste consulting. Dr. Taub received a Ph.D. in
chemical engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University in 1971.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, Dr. Taub did
not timely file one report regarding the receipt of stock options.
- 20 -
<PAGE>
Item 10. Executive Compensation
The following table summarizes the total compensation of the
Chief Executive Officer of the Company for 1996 and the two previous years (the
"Named Executive Officer"). There were no other executive officers of the
Company who received compensation in excess of $100,000 for 1996.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation Long Term Compensation
-------------------------------------- ----------------------
Name/Principal Position Year Salary Other* Options (#)
- ----------------------- ---- ------ ------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Steven I. Taub, Ph.D./ 1996 $200,000 $35,800 30,000
President and Chief 1995 $200,000 $36,200 75,000
Executive Officer 1994 $200,000 $20,399 75,000
</TABLE>
The following tables set forth information with respect to the
Named Executive Officer concerning exercise of options during the last fiscal
year and unexercised options held as of the end of the fiscal year.
OPTION/SAR GRANTS FOR THE YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of % of Total
Securities Options/SARs
Underlying Granted to
Options/SARs Employees in Exercise or Expiration
Name Granted (#) Fiscal Year Base ($/SH) Date
- ---- ------------ ------------ ----------- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Steven I. Taub, Ph.D 30,000(2) 37.08% $1.10 December 31, 2001
</TABLE>
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND
OPTION/SAR VALUES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised Value of Unexercised
Options/SARs In-the-Money Options/SARs at
Shares at December 31, 1996 (#) December 31, 1996 ($)
Acquired on Value ------------------------- ----------------------------
Name Exercise (#) Realized ($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ---- ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Steven I. Taub, Ph.D. 0 0 295,000 30,000 $ 5,625 0
</TABLE>
Dr. Taub is presently negotiating a new employment agreement
with the Company. Dr. Taub's previous employment agreement with the Company
expired in 1990 and Dr. Taub has worked in the interim without an agreement.
- --------
* Includes $7,000 as a car allowance and the balance as an IRA contribution and
insurance premiums.
(2) Not exercisable for one year from date of grant.
- 21 -
<PAGE>
Item 11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management
The following table sets forth certain information concerning
ownership of the Common Stock of the Company (the only outstanding class of
securities) as of March 15, 1997, by (a) each stockholder known by the Company
to own beneficially more than five percent of the Common Stock, (b) each
director of the Company, (c) each Named Executive Officer and (d) all directors
and executive officers of the Company as a group. Except as otherwise noted,
each person listed below has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to
the shares listed next to such person's name.
Name and Shares of Common Percent
Address Stock Owned of Class
- -------- ---------------- --------
Philip DeZwirek
Jason L. DeZwirek
CECO Environmental
Corp. (formerly API
Enterprises, Inc.) (1)
111 Elizabeth St.-6th Fl.
Toronto, Ontario M5G lP7
Canada 4,641,730 67.58% (2)
Steven I. Taub
CECO Filters, Inc.
1027-29 Conshohocken Road
Conshohocken, PA 19428-0683 1,568,668 (3) 21.90% (4)
All executive officers
and directors as a
group (2 people) 6,210,398 (3) 86.71% (4)
- ------------------------------
(1) CECO Environmental Corp. ("CEC"), a public company, owns
approximately 68% of the Company. Mr. DeZwirek and his adult
son, Jason, each own 50% of an entity that owns 19% of CEC and
Jason DeZwirek owns 100% of an entity that owns 22.7% of CEC.
Mr. DeZwirek shares voting and dispositive power with respect
to the shares of the first entity and disclaims beneficial
ownership with respect to the shares of the second entity.
(2) Based on 6,867,667 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of
March 15, 1997.
(3) Includes 295,000 currently exercisable Stock Options held by
Dr. Taub.
(4) Based on 6,867,667 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of
March 15, 1997 and 295,000 currently exercisable Stock Options
held by Dr. Taub.
- 22 -
<PAGE>
Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Reference is made to "Business - Development of the Company"
for a description of certain transactions among the Company and its officers,
directors and principal stockholders.
As of January 1, 1994, the Company entered into a five year
Consulting Agreement with CEC pursuant to which CEC will provide management and
financial consulting services to the Company for an annual fee of $240,000.
- 23 -
<PAGE>
PART IV
Item 13. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits
Incorporated by reference to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-18 declared
effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission
on August 12, 1987.
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation filed July
25, 1985
3.2 Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of
Incorporation filed April 14, 1986 and
July 29, 1987
3.3 By-Laws
4.1 Form of Warrant to be issued to broker-dealers
and dealers in securities
4.2 1987 CECO Filters, Inc. Key Employees and
Key Personnel Stock Option Plan
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1989.
3.21 Certificate of Stock Designation filed May
15, 1989
3.22 Certificate of Stock Designation filed
September 29, 1989
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1990.
4.3 CECO Filters, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan
10.13 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of March 27, 1991
between the Company and Michael Edge
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1991.
- 24 -
<PAGE>
10.14 Agreement of Sale dated July 2, 1991
between the Company and Bassett
Properties, Inc.
10.14.1 Addendum to Agreement of Sale dated July 14, 1991
10.14.2 Second Addendum to Agreement of Sale dated
July 23, 1991
10.15 Loan Agreement dated September 1, 1991
between the Company and Philadelphia
Economic Development Financing Authority
10.16 Reimbursement Agreement dated September 1,
1991 between the Company and Philadelphia
National Bank
10.17 Mortgage dated October 28, 1991 by the
Company and the Montgomery County
Industrial Development Corporation
("MCIDC")
10.18 Mortgage dated October 28, 1991 by the
Company and MCIDC
10.19 Installment Sale Agreement dated October
28, 1991 between the Company and MCIDC
10.20 Acquisition Agreement dated October 28,
1991 between the Company and MCIDC
10.21 Lease dated as of March 10, 1992 between
the Company and BTR North America, Inc.
10.22 Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Assets
dated as of March 10, 1992 by and among
A.P. Acquisition Corp., the Company, Air
Purator Corporation and Vericon Corporation
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1992.
10.23 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of
December 23, 1991, between the Company,
Steven I. Taub, Introtech Investments,
Inc. and Trio Growth Trust
10.24 Promissory Note from Steven I. Taub to the
Company in the amount of $83,334
22 List of Subsidiaries
- 25 -
<PAGE>
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1993.
10.25 Commercial Promissory Note dated February
25, 1993 between the Company and
Corestates Bank, N.A.
10.26 Commercial-Industrial Mortgage dated
February 25, 1993 between the Company
and Corestates Bank, N.A.
Incorporated by reference from the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the fiscal
quarter ended September 30, 1994.
10.1 Consulting Agreement dated as of January
1, 1994 between the Company and CEC.
The following exhibit is included herewith:
22 List of Subsidiaries
(b) Reports on Form 8-K: The Company did not file any
reports on Form 8-K during the last quarter of 1996.
- 26 -
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
CECO Filters, Inc.
By:/s/STEVEN I. TAUB
-----------------------------
Steven I. Taub
President
Dated: March 25, 1997
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of
the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
/s/STEVEN I. TAUB
-----------------------------
Steven I. Taub
Principal Executive,
Financial and Accounting Officer,
President, Treasurer, Director
Dated: March 25, 1997
/s/PHILLIP DEZWIREK
-----------------------------
Phillip DeZwirek
Chairman of the Board,
Vice President, Director
Dated: March 25, 1997
<PAGE>
CECO FILTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
<PAGE>
CECO FILTERS, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAGE
NUMBER
------
Independent Auditor's Report 2
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Balance sheet 3
Operations 4
Shareholders' equity 5
Cash flows 6
Notes to financial statements 7 to 14
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
CECO Filters, Inc.
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of CECO Filters,
Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for
the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of CECO Filters, Inc.
and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
Margolis & Company P.C.
Certified Public Accountants
Bala Cynwyd, PA
January 21, 1997
- - 2 -
<PAGE>
CECO FILTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 31,
1996 1995
------ ------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash $ 374,186 $ 184,248
Accounts receivable 2,077,045 1,856,541
Inventories 565,371 654,826
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 40,439 54,211
Deferred income taxes 58,735 20,889
---------- ----------
Total current assets 3,115,776 2,770,715
Property and equipment, net 1,782,087 1,995,592
Intangible assets, at cost, net 88,144 97,830
Investment in CECO Environmental Corp., at cost 230,000 280,000
---------- ----------
Total assets $5,216,007 $5,144,137
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term obligations $ 400,000 $ 850,000
Current portion of long-term debt 83,100 173,393
Current portion of capital lease obligation 6,043 4,838
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,205,795 1,131,206
Accrued income taxes 276,976 10,745
---------- -----------
Total current liabilities 1,971,914 2,170,182
Long-term debt, less current portion 1,132,869 1,238,795
Capital lease obligation, less current portion 9,882 14,955
Deferred income taxes - 19,888
---------- ----------
Total liabilities 3,114,665 3,443,820
---------- ----------
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.001 par value; 20,000,000
shares authorized, 6,867,667 shares issued
and outstanding 6,868 6,868
Capital in excess of par value 915,984 915,984
Retained earnings 1,178,490 777,465
--------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 2,101,342 1,700,317
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $5,216,007 $5,144,137
========= =========
The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the above
statement.
- - 3 -
<PAGE>
CECO FILTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
1996 1995
------ ------
Net sales $9,847,697 $8,435,309
---------- ----------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales 5,187,732 4,735,263
Selling and administrative 3,316,716 3,050,817
Management fees - CECO Environmental Corp. 240,000 240,000
Depreciation and amortization 341,599 356,634
---------- ----------
9,086,047 8,382,714
---------- ----------
Income from operations 761,650 52,595
Interest expense ( 154,837) ( 175,028)
---------- ----------
Income (loss) before income taxes 606,813 ( 122,433)
Income taxes (credit) 205,788 ( 51,192)
---------- ----------
Net income (loss) $ 401,025 ($ 71,241)
========== ===========
Net income (loss) per share* $ .06 ($ .01)
========== ============
*Based on weighted average shares outstanding of 6,867,667
The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the above
statement.
- - 4 -
<PAGE>
CECO FILTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON STOCK CAPITAL IN
----------------------- EXCESS OF RETAINED
SHARES AMOUNT PAR VALUE EARNINGS TOTAL
------ ------ ---------- -------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance,
December 31, 1994 6,867,667 $6,868 $915,984 $ 848,706 $1,771,558
Net loss ( 71,241) ( 71,241)
--------- ------- --------- ----------- ----------
Balance,
December 31, 1995 6,867,667 6,868 915,984 777,465 1,700,317
Net income 401,025 401,025
--------- ------- --------- ----------- ----------
Balance,
December 31, 1996 6,867,667 $6,868 $915,984 $1,178,490 $2,101,342
========= ====== ======== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the above
statement.
- - 5 -
<PAGE>
CECO FILTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
1996 1995
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss) $401,025 ($ 71,241)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 341,599 356,634
Deferred income taxes ( 57,734) ( 37,672)
Distribution of 17,800 shares of CECO
Environmental Corp. common stock as
employee bonuses in lieu of cash 50,000 -
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Accounts receivable ( 220,504) ( 340,301)
Inventories 89,455 ( 249,818)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 13,772 ( 5,612)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 74,589 215,315
Accrued income taxes 266,231 ( 101,307)
--------- ----------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 958,433 ( 234,002)
--------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment ( 78,720) ( 168,059)
Acquisitions of intangible assets ( 39,688) ( 16,870)
--------- ----------
Net cash (used in) investing activities ( 118,408) ( 184,929)
--------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings (repayments) - short-term obligations ( 450,000) 600,000
Repayments of long-term debt ( 200,087) ( 174,270)
--------- ----------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities ( 650,087) 425,730
--------- ----------
Net increase in cash 189,938 6,799
Cash at beginning of year 184,248 177,449
--------- ----------
Cash at end of year $374,186 $184,248
========= ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest $158,430 $171,435
--------- ----------
Income taxes $ 23,861 $106,002
--------- ----------
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of equipment under capital lease $ - $ 19,793
========= ==========
</TABLE>
The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of the above
statement.
- - 6 -
<PAGE>
CECO FILTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of business - CECO Filters, Inc. (the "Company") was
incorporated on July 25, 1985 in the State of Delaware. The principal
business of the Company is the manufacture and sale, primarily in the
United States, of fiber bed mist eliminators to the chemical, printing,
plating, power generation, food processing, waste incineration and
textile industries.
Principles of consolidation - The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of estimates - The presentation of financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Inventories and revenue recognition - Inventories are valued at cost
using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method which does not exceed
market. Revenue is recognized upon shipment of completed products.
Property and equipment - Property and equipment are recorded at cost.
Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to income as
incurred. Depreciation, for financial reporting purposes, is computed
on the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the
assets (5-39 years).
Intangible assets - Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line
basis over 40 years. The Company's policy is to continually monitor the
recoverability of goodwill using a fair value approach. Intangible
assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their
estimated useful lives which range from 5 to 17 years.
Investment in CECO Environmental Corp. - The Company's investment in
100,000 shares of restricted common stock of CECO Environmental Corp.
is accounted for at cost. During December, 1996, the Company authorized
the issuance of 17,800 shares of such stock to certain employees in
lieu of cash bonuses. Employees are restricted from selling this stock
until one year from issuance.
Advertising costs - Advertising costs are charged to operations in the
year incurred and totaled $130,762 in 1996 and $139,307 in 1995.
Research and development - Research and development expenses are
charged to costs as incurred. The amounts charged were $116,979 and
$17,484 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Per share data - Per share data is computed using the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding. The weighted average number of
common shares outstanding includes outstanding options and warrants
(common stock equivalents) and is determined using the treasury stock
method. The weighted average number of common shares for each year was
6,867,667.
- - 7 -
<PAGE>
CECO FILTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies -
Continued
Stock option plan - In October, 1995, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS 123). SFAS 123
permits companies to choose between a "fair value based method of
accounting" for employee stock options or to continue to measure
compensation cost for employee stock compensation plans using the
intrinsic value based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees" (APB 25). The Company has chosen to continue to use the APB
25 method. Under such method, compensation is measured by the quoted
market price of the stock at the measurement date less the amount, if
any, that the employee is required to pay. The measurement date is the
first date on which the number of shares that an individual employee is
entitled to receive and the option or purchase price, if any, are
known. The Company did not incur any compensation expense related to
its stock option plan during 1996 and 1995.
Entities electing to remain with this method must make pro forma
disclosures of net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share as if
the fair value based method of accounting defined in SFAS 123 had been
applied to all awards granted in fiscal years beginning after December
15, 1994. The Company has not presented the pro forma disclosures
required by SFAS 123 since the impact on the Company's financial
statements for the periods presented was deminimis.
2. Financial Instruments
Fair value of financial instruments:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
--------------------------- ----------------------------
CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
AMOUNT VALUE AMOUNT VALUE
-------- ------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Financial assets:
Cash $ 374,186 $ 374,186 $ 184,248 $ 184,248
Financial liabilities:
Short-term obligations $ 400,000 $ 400,000 $ 850,000 $ 850,000
Long-term debt $1,215,969 $1,140,611 $1,412,188 $1,392,349
</TABLE>
The fair values of cash and short-term obligations are assumed to be
equal to their reported carrying amounts based on their close proximity
to maturity.
Valuations for long-term debt are determined based on future payments
discounted at current interest rates for similar obligations.
- - 8 -
<PAGE>
CECO FILTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Financial Instruments - Continued
Concentrations of credit risk:
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit
risk consist principally of cash and accounts receivable. The Company
performs periodic evaluations of the financial institutions in which its
cash is invested. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its
customers' financial condition, and generally requires no collateral
from its customers.
3. Inventories
1996 1995
------ ------
Raw material $410,949 $514,489
Finished goods 154,422 140,337
------- -------
$565,371 $654,826
======= =======
4. Property and Equipment
1996 1995
------ -------
Land $ 137,342 $ 137,342
Building and improvements 1,670,631 1,662,908
Machinery and equipment 1,527,655 1,464,500
--------- ---------
3,335,628 3,264,750
Less accumulated depreciation 1,553,541 1,269,158
--------- ---------
$1,782,087 $1,995,592
========= =========
Depreciation expense was $292,225 and $306,338 for 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
Machinery and equipment at December 31, 1996 and 1995 included equipment
acquired under a capital lease with a cost of $19,793 and accumulated
depreciation of $7,918 and $3,959, respectively.
5. Intangible Assets
1996 1995
------ ------
Customer lists $ 81,500 $ 81,500
Non-compete agreement 62,500 62,500
Patents 117,094 77,406
Goodwill 52,113 52,113
-------- --------
313,207 273,519
Less accumulated amortization 225,063 175,689
------- -------
$ 88,144 $ 97,830
======== ========
Amortization expense was $49,374 and $50,296 for 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
- - 9 -
<PAGE>
CECO FILTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
6. Debt
1996 1995
------ -------
<S> <C> <C>
Short-term obligations
Note payable, bank, under line of credit. The Company has a line of
credit with a bank permitting borrowings of up to $1,250,000 with
interest at the prime rate plus 1/4% (effective rate of 8.5% and 8.75%
at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively). In addition to
outstanding borrowings at December 31, 1996, there was also a
$150,000 standby letter of credit to the Pennsylvania Industrial
Development Authority which was outstanding. $400,000 $850,000
======= =======
The Company is required to maintain compensating cash balances of 5% of the total line of credit offered, or is subject
to additional fees.
Long-term debt
Mortgage note payable, bank, monthly installments of $10,149, including
interest at 8% per annum through March 1, 1998 at which time the
interest rate will be adjusted to a per annum rate equal to 3/4% in
excess of the prime rate. Remaining principal will be repaid in 110
equal monthly installments beginning April 1, 1998, plus interest. $ 907,928 $ 953,818
Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, payable in equal monthly
installments of $2,797 including interest at 3% per annum, through
May, 2007, collateralized by a second mortgage on land and building 296,420 324,102
Bank note, payable in equal monthly installments of $7,000 plus
interest at 3/4% in excess of the prime rate (effective rate of 9.25%
at December 31, 1995) through March, 1996, at which time the remaining
principal balance of $84,000 will be repaid - 105,000
Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center, payable in equal monthly
installments of $834 through January, 1996. Non-interest bearing. - 834
Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center, payable in equal monthly
installments of $489 including interest at 3% per annum, through
February, 1997 974 6,715
Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center, payable in equal monthly
installments of $273 including interest at 3% per annum, through
May, 1997 1,355 4,540
---------- ----------
Totals (carried forward) $1,206,677 $1,395,009
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
- - 10 -
<PAGE>
CECO FILTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Debt - Continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Totals (brought forward) $1,206,677 $1,395,009
Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center, payable
in equal monthly installments of $131 including
interest at 3% per annum, through April, 1997 521 2,053
Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center, payable in
equal monthly installments of $560 including interest
at 3% per annum, through March, 1998 8,771 15,126
----------- -----------
1,215,969 1,412,188
Less current portion 83,100 173,393
----------- -----------
$1,132,869 $1,238,795
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
Maturities of all long-term debt over the next five years are estimated
as follows:
1997 $83,100
1998 79,472
1999 84,513
2000 91,762
2001 98,994
The Company's property and equipment, accounts receivable, and
inventory serve as collateral for its bank debt. The bank debt is also
subject to financial covenants which require the Company to limit its
leverage and maintain a minimum cash flow coverage.
7. Capital Lease Obligation
The Company acquired equipment under the provisions of a long-term
lease.
Future minimum lease payments under the capital lease are as follows:
1997 $ 6,953
1998 6,953
1999 3,478
--------
17,384
Less amount representing interest 1,459
Present value of net minimum --------
capital lease payments 15,925
Less current portion 6,043
--------
Long-term portion $ 9,882
========
- - 11 -
<PAGE>
CECO FILTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Shareholders' Equity
The Company maintains a stock option plan for its employees. Under the
plan, options to purchase 500,000 shares of the Company's common stock
may be granted at not less than 100% of the market price of the shares
on the date of grant. Options are generally exercisable one year from
the date of grant and expire between five and ten years of the date of
grant.
The status of the Company's stock option plan is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
---------------------- ----------------------
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE EXERCISE
SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE
-------- ---------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at beginning of year 369,100 $1.14 274,800 $1.17
Granted 80,900 1.04 100,500 1.07
Forfeited ( 41,400) .97 ( 6,200) 1.00
------- --------
Outstanding at end of year 408,600 1.14 369,100 1.14
======= =======
Options exercisable at year end 327,700 268,600
======= =======
Available for grant at end of year 6,850 87,750
======= =======
</TABLE>
9. Sales to Major Customers
During 1996 and 1995, the Company had two customers in each year
representing 14% and 10% and 15% and 10%, respectively, of consolidated
net sales.
10. Employee Benefit Plans
The Company has a 401(k) Savings and Retirement Plan which covers
substantially all employees. Under the terms of the Plan, employees can
contribute between 1% and 15% of their annual compensation to the Plan.
The Company matches 50% of the first 3% of employee contributions and
25% of the next 3% of employee contributions. Plan expense for the years
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 was $34,505 and $28,216, respectively.
During 1994, the Company established a profit-sharing plan which covers
substantially all employees. There were no contributions for 1996 or
1995.
- - 12 -
<PAGE>
CECO FILTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Rent
The Company leases certain facilities on a year-to-year basis. The
Company also has future annual minimum rental commitments under
noncancelable operating leases as follows:
1997 $36,596
1998 7,177
Total rent expense under all operating leases for 1996 and 1995 was
$88,815 and $66,363, respectively.
12. Income Taxes
Income taxes (benefit) consisted of the following:
1996 1995
-------- --------
Current:
Federal $179,030 ($37,802)
State 84,492 24,282
-------- ------
263,522 ( 13,520)
Deferred ( 57,734) ( 37,672)
-------- ------
$205,788 ($51,192)
======== =======
The provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from the statutory rate
due to the following:
1996 1995
-------- --------
Tax provision (benefit) at statutory rate $206,316 ($41,627)
Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from:
State tax, net of federal benefit 55,765 16,026
Surtax exemption - 10,629
Change in tax versus book basis of assets ( 57,734) ( 37,672)
Permanent differences between financial
statements and tax return 6,482 7,982
(Over) accrual of prior years' taxes ( 9,198) ( 6,331)
Other 4,157 ( 199)
-------- --------
$205,788 ($51,192)
======== =======
- - 13 -
<PAGE>
CECO FILTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Income Taxes - Continued
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for
financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax
purposes. The net deferred tax asset (liability) consisted of the
following at December 31:
1996 1995
------- -----
Deferred tax asset:
Inventory capitalization $17,414 $20,889
Depreciation 21,321 -
Employee bonuses - restricted
stock in lieu of cash 20,000 -
Deferred tax liability:
Accelerated depreciation - ( 19,888)
------- --------
Net deferred tax asset $58,735 $ 1,001
======= ========
13. Related Party Transactions
Effective January 1, 1994, the Company entered into a consulting
agreement with CECO Environmental Corp. ("CEC"). CEC owns 63% of the
Company's common stock as of December 31, 1996. The terms of the
agreement require monthly fees of $20,000 through December, 1998 in
exchange for management and financial consulting services involving
corporate policies; marketing; strategic and financial planning; and
mergers, acquisitions and related matters. The Company paid CEC $240,000
during each of the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995.
- - 14 -
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 22
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES
Compliance Systems International
Air Purator Corporation
U.S. Facilities Management Company, Inc.
Hoosier Environmental Facilities Management Company
Cactus Environmental Facilities Management Company
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CECO FILTERS, INC. AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1996
<CASH> 374,186
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 2,077,045
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 565,371
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 3,115,776
<PP&E> 3,335,628
<DEPRECIATION> 1,553,541
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 5,216,007
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,971,914
<BONDS> 1,215,969
0
0
<COMMON> 6,868
<OTHER-SE> 2,094,474
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 5,216,007
<SALES> 9,847,697
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 9,847,697
<CGS> 5,187,732
<TOTAL-COSTS> 9,086,047
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 154,837
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 154,837
<INCOME-PRETAX> 606,813
<INCOME-TAX> 205,788
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 401,025
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 401,025
<EPS-PRIMARY> .06
<EPS-DILUTED> .06
</TABLE>
